The Sinai Peninsula And The Red Sea Travel Information

The Basics

Time

Electricity

Language

Arabic is the official language although English and French are widely spoken, especially in the tourist areas.

Travel Health

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry
into Egypt from travellers over one year of age coming from
infected areas. No other vaccinations are required but vaccinations
are commonly recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid.
Travellers to Egypt should come prepared to beat the heat with a
high factor sunblock and drink plenty of water to combat
dehydration. Tap water in the main cities and towns is normally
chlorinated but it is still advisable to drink only bottled water
or tap water that has been boiled or filtered. Visitors should only
eat thoroughly cooked food and fruits they have peeled themselves
to prevent travellers' diarrhoea. The waters of the Nile are
contaminated and should not be consumed.

Medical treatment can be expensive and standards vary so
comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly advised,
including evacuation insurance. Medical facilities are generally
adequate for routine ailments in the big cities and main tourist
areas but outside of the main centres medical facilities can be
very basic in Egypt.

Tipping

Tipping is known as 'baksheesh' and some small change is
expected for most services, though small change can be hard to come
by. 'Baksheesh' can be a useful practice in order to gain entry to
seemingly inaccessible places, or for extra services - a small tip
can open doors, literally. A service charge is added to most
restaurant and hotel bills but a tip of about five percent is
normally given directly to the waiter. Taxi drivers are tipped
about 10 percent.

Safety Information

The US Department of State and the British Foreign Office advise
caution when travelling to Egypt, as there is a high treat from
terrorism. All travel is advised against in North Sinai. All but
essential travel is advised against in South Sinai; however the
area within the Sharm el Sheikh perimeter barrier (including the
airport, Sharm el Maya, Hadaba, Naama Bay, Sharks Bay and Nabq) is
protected by enhanced security measures and has experienced little
violence. The resort areas in Hurghada have similar measures in
place, although isolated incidents in non-tourist areas have been
reported. Other areas under travel advisories include the border
with Libya and swathes of Egypt's western desert (west of Cairo and
the Nile Valley). Travellers should stay up to date on travel
warnings and advisories.

Terrorist attacks have been ongoing, with several bombings
taking place in Cairo and other regions in the last few years.
Attacks against tourists have been reported.

Demonstrations are common near foreign embassies and around
Tahrir Square in Cairo, and in other cities, including Alexandria.
There have been incidents of foreigners, including British
Nationals, being targeted and attacked during protests. There have
also been reports of sexual assaults on women during
demonstrations. Tourists are advised to avoid all street protests
and gatherings and not to attempt to cross road blocks.

Visitors to markets and major tourist sites will experience a
fair amount of hassle from touts and are advised not to carry more
money on them than needed as petty crime is a concern. Women should
be extra cautious when travelling alone as incidents of harassment
and sexual assault are not uncommon; women should be particularly
alert when visiting spas and doing other tourist related
activities, and should be careful to dress conservatively. Racism
towards black and Asian people is prevalent and considered
acceptable. Egypt also has a poor train safety record with several
fatal accidents each year.

Local Customs

Egypt is a conservative society and visitors should respect
local customs and sensitivities. Homosexuality is solemnly frowned
upon and homosexual acts are illegal. Public displays of affection
are frowned upon. Religious customs should be recognised,
particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and
smoking during daylight hours is forbidden by Islam; during Ramadan
travellers should be discreet in public places or choose to partake
in the custom themselves. Travellers to Egypt should dress modestly
(women's clothes should cover the legs and upper arms). Photography
of military institutions is prohibited and the Suez Canal counts as
a military institution; Egyptians can be sensitive about any
photography of infrastructure and it is best to ask for permission
if in any doubt.

Business

Egyptians are friendly and approachable at work, and personal
relationships are very important when conducting business. Business
is usually conducted formally in Egypt; however, meetings may not
take place in private and it is normal for them to be interrupted
with other matters. Punctuality is important for visitors doing
business, though don't be surprised if your contact is late or
postpones the meeting. Be patient. Dress should be formal and
conservative; suits and ties are standard and women should dress
modestly. Women may encounter some sexism in the business world.
Most Egyptians are Muslim and therefore one should be mindful of
Islamic customs. English is widely spoken and understood, although
attempting to speak some basic Arabic will be highly appreciated.
The normal working week runs from Sunday to Thursday. Business
hours vary, but in the private sector it is usually 9am to 5pm and
in the public sector 8am to 3pm. Avoid scheduling business trips
during the month of Ramadan as working hours are minimised during
the holiday period and many key players will not be available.

Communications

The international access code for Egypt is +20. There are high
surcharges on international calls from hotels; it is cheaper to
phone long-distance from the 24-hour Post, Telephone and Telegraph
(PTT) offices that are available in the major cities. For
international directory phone enquiries dial 140. The local mobile
phone operators use GSM 900 networks and have roaming agreements
with all major operators. Internet cafes are available in the main
tourist areas.

Duty Free

Travellers over 18 arriving in Egypt do not have to pay customs
duty on 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200g tobacco; alcoholic
beverages up to 2 litres; and perfume for personal use. The import
and export of local currency is limited to EGP 5,000. Banned items
include firearms, cotton and drugs.

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